Job details

Recruitment result
Place of work

Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS

Funding institution

National Science Centre of Poland (NCN)

Project description

Project title, type and project number

Paper and other fibrous materials as micro/nanomolds for deposition on electrodes surface molecularly imprinted polymers of developed surface, Project No. 2018/31/D/ST5/02890, SONATA 14, 48/2022

Project leader

dr Maciej Cieplak

Description

According to L. C. Pauling, a two noble prize winner, the secret of life is hidden in molecular recognition, that is the ability of one molecule to “recognize” another through weak bonding interactions. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor made recognizing materials that can mimic recognition of biological receptors. They outperform these natural receptors in several aspects including durability, chemical stability, and low production costs. If used for chemosensors fabrication, they should be deposited on transducers surfaces as thin films to facilitate analyte binding close to this surface. Novel techniques of MIP deposition as thin films, surface development of MIP these films, or introduction of unique properties are very much demanded in terms of selective and sensitive chemosensors fabrication.

Therefore, in recent years special attention has been paid to syntheses of micro- and nanostructured MIPs. Sacrificial mold synthesis is the method that offers the most precise control over the structure of the synthesized nanometrials. This synthesis involves MIP deposition inside porous materials, i.e., colloidal crystals of silica and polymer spherical beads. Then, the mold is removed resulting in pending nanostructured MIP deposition in the form of micro-/nanorods, filaments, stripes or dots. This nanostructuring provides significant MIP surface development and, consequently, enhances MIP chemosensor sensitivity, detectability, and shortens its response time.

Within this project new methods of micro- and nanostructured MIP films deposition will be introduced. For that purpose, cellulose paper and other inexpensive fibrous materials, namely cellulose acetate filter membranes, fabric or cotton wool will be applied as the sacrificial molds. Moreover, we will apply these films for devising selective chemosensors for selected antibiotics and hormones, that pollute food products.

Job description

Number of vacancies

1

Key responsibilities include

  • Electrosynthesis and physico-chemical characterization of MIP films.
  • Testing analytical parameters of MIP chemosensors.
  • Testing paper based electrochemical sensors
  • Cooperation with team members.
Offer

Position in the project

Student – scholarship position

Job type

Scholarship

Salary

• We offer 1 000 PLN* per month scholarship financed by the NCN SONATA 14 Project No. 2018/31/D/ST5/02890. The position is scheduled for a period of 9 months.

Position starts on

1.12.2022

Maximum planned period of contract/stipend agreement

9 months

We offer

Work in the outstanding scientific institution in the dynamic research group with members representing diverse interests and qualifications – see details on the website:  http://groups.ichf.edu.pl/sharma

Career development prospects at IPC PAS

Opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research department with strong support from chemistry and physics group within the Institute. The student will have the opportunities, such as participation in project focused on applied research, attending and presenting research results in nationals and Internationals conferences, and visits in international partner laboratories.

Link to Euraxess website

see website
Requirements

Scientific discipline

Supramolecular chemistry, Electrochemistry, Polymer chemistry, Nanotechnology, Analytical Chemistry

Scientific profile of a candidate

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Requirements

  • At the starting date of the work within the project, applicant should be a student second degree studies, conducted in universities on Polish territory or should be a student of at least the fourth year of uniform master's studies carried out at universities on the territory of the Republic of Poland.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a group.
  • Basic knowledge of physical chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, electrochemistry and spectroscopy.
  • Experience in working with electrochemical instruments.
  • Proficiency in English speaking and writing.
  • The high average grade obtained in the course of study will be appreciated.

Key assessment criteria

  • competences of candidates for specific tasks in a research project,
  • previous scientific achievements of candidates,
  • awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research
Required documents
  • motivation letter
  • scientific curriculum vitae, including a list of scientific achievements (scholarships, publications, patents, conference presentations, etc.).
  • recommendation letter
  • a transcript of the grades/credits received during the last stage of studies and grade point average
Recruitment procedure

How to Apply: Send application directly to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl;

IMPORTANT: email title “Rekrutacja nr 48/2022”;

Application Details:

Envisaged Job Starting Date: 1st of December, 2022.

Application Deadline: 20th of November, 2022

  • The best applicants who meet the competition requirements will be invited for an interview (on-site or online) at 21st November – 23rd November 2022 at the IPC-PAS.
  • The commission will evaluate applications on a point scale.
  • The Commission will take into account the following criteria:

a) competences of candidates for specific tasks in a research project (0-3 points, 30 % weight of the final grade),

b) the candidate’s research achievements, including publications in academic press/ journals (0-4 points, 50 % weight of the final grade),

c) awards resulting from conducting research, scholarships, prizes and research experience gained outside the candidate’s research unit at home or abroad, research workshops and training attended, participation in research projects (0-4 points, 20 % weight of the final grade).

  • The scholarship will be awarded to the person who obtains the highest number of points.
  • The results of the competition are made public
  • If the chosen candidate will resign before signing the contract, another person from the list of candidates may be selected.
  • Scheduled date of starting work within the Project: December 1st, 2022 and the necessary condition is that successful candidates need to have the status of student of second degree studies (or at least the fourth year of uniform master's studies) carried out at universities on the territory of the Republic of Poland before starting work within the Project.
Additional information

Application Details:

Envisaged Job Starting Date: 1st of December, 2022.

Application Deadline: 20th of November, 2022

How to Apply: Send application directly to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl;

IMPORTANT: email title “Rekrutacja nr 48/2022”;

Required Languages: English, Language level: good

Deadlines

Application deadline

20.11.2022 18:00

Deadline for the settlement of the competition

25.11.2022

Archival announcement. We would like to thank all candidates for their submitted applications.

Date of announcement: 21.10.2022

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